Think on these things...

Christmas

The Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth (John 1:14).

Jesus came to Reveal (God to man) and Redeem (man to God).

Good tidings of Great Joy!

 Oh the weather outside is frightful,

but the fire is so delightful,

and since we've no place to go,

Let it snow! Let it snow! Let it snow!

 

I've been singing this song on and off all week.  When I woke up last Monday and looked outside, I quickly sent out an email to the FFC staff and declared our first ever 'Snow Day.' Memories of no-school 'snow days' from my childhood stirred up an excitement and joy that almost surprized me... we stoked up the fire, shoveled snow and had a very enjoyable day.

Good news that brings ‘great joy.’ The news that we had 16 inches of snow covering our home and city, and that we could stay home and enjoy the beauty brought ‘great joy.’ I realized that Monday’s weather conditions launched me into not only a day of joy, but a season of joy! The ‘real’ good news isn’t weather related, but God related!

Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. “For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. “And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!” (Luke 2:8-14)

Join me in allowing the Holy Spirit to make the ‘good tidings’ of Christ’s coming be renewed in our hearts and minds, resulting in ‘great joy’!

Measures of Greatness

 I will make you a great nation; I will bless you And make your name great; And you shall be a blessing.    (Gen 12:2)

As God spoke these words, He announced a dual objective: “I want to make your name great,” and “You shall be a blessing.” God’s  promise to make Abraham’s name great was not a promise of fame, but a guarantee He would shape great character in him.

God is not so interested in ‘notoriety’ as He is in the development of the inner qualities of character.  The biblical concept of “fame” focuses on the quality of the person’s trustworthiness, integrity and spiritual weight. 

That’s important to remember, since today we live in a society  which mocks its own habit for “making people famous for nothing more than merely being well known.” 

Thus fame today may be acquired through scandal as quickly as through accomplishment.  

But Abraham’s name became great through learning a walk of worship and a pathway of persistent pursuit of God’s will. That’s kingdom character! It’s the path to which God calls His people to walk.  Greatness in the kingdom of God is very different from greatness as the world around us determines…Jesus said, "whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant.”    (Mat 20:26)

A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, Loving favor rather than silver and gold.    (Prov 22:1)